Spectrographic Measurement
The chemical composition of a metal
can be an important and useful indicator of its
mechanical and physical properties. It is essential
in the process of Permanent Mold Aluminum Castings to
monitor and maintain an industry-determined standard
for all aluminum alloys. By maintaining a
predetermined standard, Permanent Mold Castings
manufacturers can ensure that the as-cast properties
of an aluminum alloy remain consistent.
Baird Spectrometer
The Baird Spectrometer measures the
concentration of the elements within any specific
aluminum alloy specimen. A spectrometer uses a
technique called an atomic optical emission
spectroscopy, which is a qualitative measurement of
the optical emissions of an emitted light source. This
technique includes making a small burn of alloy
specimen using an electric spark. The subsequent
intensity of the light produced is measured at
specific wavelengths. The light that is emitted passes
through the optical reading system of the spectrometer
and it is separated into different wavelengths. Since
every different material, when burned emits a
different wavelength of light, the different
wavelengths can be measured with a photomultiplier
tube which converts the wavelength energy into
electrical energy. This electrical energy is then
processed by a computer and results in a percentage
read out of the chemical analysis of the aluminum
alloy sample. The data that is created is compared to
a standard set of calibration data results of the
specified alloy being used in order to develop a
percent concentration of the sample elements.
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